US Attacks Won’t Defeat Us, Says Venezuela Defence Minister

Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir López, has slammed the United States over what he described as a “criminal military attack” on the country, following overnight explosions that rocked the capital, Caracas.

Explosions were heard across several parts of Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, plunging some neighbourhoods into darkness after electricity supply was disrupted.

Hours later, former US President Donald Trump took to social media to announce that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, a claim that has continued to generate global reactions.

In a video message shared online, López said Venezuelan airspace was breached during what he called the most dangerous and provocative military aggression the country has ever experienced.

According to him, missiles and rockets fired from combat helicopters hit residential and urban areas in Caracas, as well as parts of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira states.

He said security agencies were still compiling reports on civilians killed or injured during the attack.

“This invasion represents the greatest outrage our country has ever suffered,” López said.

The defence minister accused the US of violating the United Nations Charter and international law, urging the international community and global bodies to condemn the attack without delay.

He dismissed claims that the operation was aimed at fighting terrorism, insisting it was a regime-change plot designed to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources.

“They have attacked us, but they will not defeat us,” López declared.

“We will form an indestructible wall of resistance. Our desire is peace, but our history is a struggle for freedom.”

López called on Venezuelans and members of the armed forces to stand united in defence of the country’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.

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